What does hope look like in 2025? Here, continuing our 40th anniversary celebrations and our promise to spotlight the women who will define the next four decades, ELLE shines a light on campaigners and trailblazers.
Each one of these women prove that resisting the status quo takes many forms, big and small, but all of them are pushing for social change and show us that there's always the chance to hope.
Our list was compiled in collaboration with our esteemed panel of judges: Gabriela Hearst, Amanda Gorman, Nadia Murad and Mikaela Loach.
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ELLE's 40 for 40: Women of Hope
Tomi Adeyemi (L)
'I chose author Tomi Adeyemi, for her imaginative writing prowess and skillful world building featured in her YA fantasy series, Legacy of Orïsha, which is set in West Africa and features complex Black protagonists in a genre that often lacks diverse racial representation' - Amanda Gorman
Munroe Bergdorf (R)
A trailblazer for trans and racial justice, Munroe Bergdorf is a British model, writer, and activist, who uses her platform to challenge inequality and advocate for lasting, systemic change. Her upcoming book Talk To Me encourages us to have difficult conversations about everything from politics to gender identity.
Xiye Bastida (L)
Mexican Xiye Bastida is a climate activist and an indigenous rights advocate. An organizer with climate movement Fridays For Future, she co-founded the Re-Earth Initiative which supports frontline youth across 27 countries. She's 'a powerful voice for youth climate action and environmental justice to create a more sustainable world' - Nadia Murad
Alex Consani (R)
A model, influencer, and advocate for transgender rights, Alex Consani embodies Gen Z’s authentic energy. In 2024, she made history as the first transgender winner of Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards. She has featured in campaigns and runways for Givenchy, Burberry, Balenciaga and Coperni.
Ayesha Constable (L)
Ayesha is the founder of GirlsCare, an organisation dedicated to empowering girls and building climate resilience in Jamaica, one of the most climate vulnerable nations in the world. 'Gender justice and climate justice are inextricably linked. Ayesha knows this better than most, and has made fighting for a feminist and climate just future for Jamaica her life’s work' - Mikaela Loach
Andrea Cheong (R)
A reformed fashion influencer who became disillusioned with the industry, Cheong is the host for Kering’s sustainability podcast Fashion Our Future. Now more comfortable with the term ‘de-influencer’, she helps her hundreds of thousands of followers to shop less and shop better with insightful, informative videos. In 2019 she founded The Mindful Monday Method to encourage people to audit their wardrobes, manage clothes budgets and read a care label properly.
Mya-Rose Craig (L)
At just 11-years-old, Mya-Rose Craig created her, since viral, blog ‘Birdgirl’. Now 22, the British-Bangladeshi Cambridge graduate is an ornithologist, environmentalist and the founder of Black2Nature, advocating for diversity in nature. Her memoir, Birdgirl, explores growing up against a backdrop of eco-activism.
Caroline Darian (R)
Caroline Darian is a French author, activist and the daughter of Gisèle Pelicot. Her 2025 memoir I’ll Never Call Him Dad Again unveils years of her father's crimes. She founded the #Mendorspas movement which confronts the issue of chemical submission in the home and empowers victims to reclaim their stories, safety, and voice.
Dr Eve Ewing (L)
'Author, poet, and sociologist Dr. Eve Ewing does incredible work through her writings on the intersectional impact of race and socioeconomics on access to health and educational resources, and is a consistent inspiration to me' - Amanda Gorman
Rhiane Fatinikun (R)
Founder Rhiane Fatinikun MBE, began Black Girls Hike in 2019 for her own wellbeing, but also to challenge the lack of inclusion and representation in outdoor spaces. Now with more than 5,000 members, Fatinikun (pictured with BGH members Natalie Reid and Amina Hassan) helps organise hikes around the UK every weekend, as well as international trips to Brazil and Morocco. ‘When you’re going into something for the first time, you need a little bit of a push – I feel we’re cheerleaders, really.’
Christiana Figueres (L)
'One of the leading voices in the ecological movement, Christiana was pivotal in creating the landmark Paris Agreement. She continues to tackle the challenges posed by climate change with high intelligence, warmth, and an inspiring smile. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as one of the leaders of this cause' - Gabriela Hearst
Elvira Gasanova (R)
The founder of Ukranian fashion brand GASANOVA, her designs have been worn by Gigi Hadid and Kelly Rowland, while the Ukranian First Lady Olena Zelenska is a prominent supporter. 'She proves that fashion can be a powerful statement of resilience and unity' - Nadia Murad
Selena Gomez (L)
'Selena is not only a fellow Latina who has raised her voice loudly to defend what is unjust and historically unfair, but I also admire her ability to navigate the turbulence of growing up in the spotlight and the pressures of that world. She has become a woman of substance and a phenomenal performing artist' - Gabriela Hearst
Jenni Hermoso (R)
Widely regarded as one the best woman footballers of all time, Jenni Hermoso was part of Spain’s winning team at the 2023 World Cup. The skilled forward has played a pivotal role in challenging sexism in football after she was kissed publicly by the former head of the Spanish football federation Luis Rubiales at the cup final.
Rosamund Kissi-Debrah (L)
Following the tragic death of her nine-year-old daughter Ella due to air pollution in London, Rosamund has campaigned for Ella's Law, also known as the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill. 'She has fervently fought for a world where no child dies because of air pollution, a world where your race or class won’t determine how clean the air you breathe is' - Mikaela Loach
Christine Lagarde (R)
'The first woman to lead both the IMF and ECB, Christine introduced measures at the ECB to address climate change, including “green rules” for corporate bond purchases. Her leadership continues to pave the way for sustainable economic practices' - Gabriela Hearst
Nikki Lilly (L)
With a YouTube channel that empowers and educates nearly 3 million followers, Nikki Lilly challenges perceptions of chronic illness, inspiring confidence and advocating for inclusivity and awareness. The patron of Face Equality International, she recently spoke at the UN Human Rights Council.
Connie K Lim (R)
The American singer-songwriter, known as MILCK, sung her song Quiet at the 2017 Women's March where it garnered 8 million views in two days and was replicated across the world. 'MILCK is shaping the future by using her music and activism to inspire global movements for equality and empowerment' - Nadia Murad
Louise De Guzman Mabulo (L)
'Louise De Guzman Mabulo is a rising star in environmental activism through her extraordinary work as the founder of the Cacao Project, a seed exchange providing sustainable livelihoods through agroforestry, as well as her dedication to activism surrounding sustainable diets' - Amanda Gorman
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke (R)
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke is New Zealand’s youngest MP in 170 years, representing the political party Te Pāti Māori. A maramataka expert, a traditional lunar calendar, and advocate for Māori youth, she earned the 2024 One Young World Politician of the Year award and went viral in 2024 for starting the haka during a debate in parliament.
Hilda Flavia Nakabuye (L)
When Hilda, a campaigner for Stop EACOP (East African Crude Oil Pipeline) and founder of Fridays For Future Uganda, found out that a climate bomb (the largest heated crude oil pipeline in the world) was being built through her country, she decided she had to act, not despair. 'Hilda has been part of a historic campaign against Total’s construction of this pipeline that would compromise the primary water source of over 40 million people...Stopping new fossil fuel projects is essential for all of our survival' - Mikaela Loach
Vanessa Nakate (R)
'Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate makes a difference through her dedication to protesting against the climate crisis and urging world leaders to recognise climate change as a serious matter that will impact individuals worldwide' - Amanda Gorman
Lisa Nandy (L)
Leading the charge on boosting the UK’s creative industries is Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport as well as the Labour MP for Wigan. Since being in office, she’s announced a £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund as well as pledging an extra £1 million to the British Fashion Council’s NewGen programme.
Josie Naughton (R)
Co-founder and CEO of Choose Love, Josie has dedicated her career to supporting refugees. She leads impactful humanitarian efforts, advocating for displaced communities through direct aid and grassroots initiatives worldwide.
Nemonte Nenquimo (L)
'A friend and someone I deeply admire, Nemonte’s book We Will Be Jaguar reads beautifully, telling the story of her people, the Waorani, and her eco-warrior battles. When she fights to preserve the Amazon, it is for all of us. When she told me last September that it was not raining in the Amazon, I was shocked that this wasn’t headline news. Yet, I have faith in Nemonte’s voice, still connected to the cycles of nature' - Gabriela Hearst
Cindy Ngamba (R)
Born in Cameroon, Cindy moved to the UK aged 11 and found a passion for boxing. She went on to join the GB Boxing Team and became a three-time national champion. Cindy was also the first-ever medallist for the Refugee Olympic Team, competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. 'Cindy Ngamba’s journey reminds us that strength is not just in winning but in representing hope for refugees worldwide' - Nadia Murad
Dr Rhiannon Mihranian Osborne (L)
A British-Armenian-Palestinian climate organiser with The People’s Health Tribunal and Health Workers For Palestine: 'Rhiannon’s organising as part of The People’s Health Hearing Collective and Health Workers For Palestine is exactly the kind of activism we need to see more of: bold, direct, challenging elite power structures...her work is mostly behind the scenes: it’s the kind of work that is often most important but doesn’t get praise or accolades' - Mikaela Loach
Amy Powney (R)
Amy Powney is a British fashion designer and sustainability advocate. Formerly creative director at Mother of Pearl, she now leads Akyn, a conscious womenswear brand focused on ethical production, environmental responsibility, and timeless design.
Arlo Parks (L)
Mercury Prize winner and UNICEF UK Ambassador Arlo Parks has been open about her struggles with mental health both in her honest and powerful song lyrics and also on a global stage as an advocate for youth mental health. A big believer in grassroots projects, Arlo has worked in Sierra Leone to address sexual violence, menstrual education, and child marriage. She is an advocate for youth mental health.
Angela Rayner (R)
A champion for social justice, Angela Rayner is currently the Deputy Prime Minister and Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne. Before her career in politics, she was a care worker and union representative. Big policy priorities include housing reform, social mobility and workers' rights.
Disha Ravi (L)
Indian climate justice organiser and co-founder of Fridays For Future India, FFF MAPA and ANGRY. 'Every time I speak with Disha she has just spent hours in meetings or calls or strategy sessions with other organisers in Fridays For Future India or ANGRY (Alliance of Non-Governmental Radical Youth). She also does this all with levity and humour. Community always comes first for Disha, a value that is essential for the next 40 years of pushing for and building a better world for us all' - Mikaela Loach
Yara Rodrigues Fowler (R)
'Brazilian-British author and co-founder of Fossil Free Books, Yara’s work with Fossil Free Books has been transformative to the arts scene and divestment movement in the UK. Leveraging our positions as workers who can organise together and withdraw our labour will be ever more essential in the fight for dignified lives, a safe environment and liberation for oppressed peoples all over our world. I’ve learned so much from Yara’s strategic organising about how we can do this' - Mikaela Loach
Frances Ryan (L)
A powerful voice in disability rights, Frances Ryan is a British journalist and author of the recently published Who Wants To Be Normal: The Disabled Girls’ Guide to Life. Her work challenges societal injustice, shedding light on the struggles of disabled communities with incisive, bold reporting.
Danusia Samal (R)
One of the founders of Green Rider, a movement campaigning to make the film and TV industry more sustainable, actor and writer Danusia Samal is passionate about changing the way creatives operate behind, and in front of, the scene. With followers including Benedict Cumberbatch and Paapa Essiedu, her aim is to ‘make [Green Rider] a mass movement so nobody feels alone in it’.
Hunter Schafer (L)
'Hunter is not only a talented, multifaceted artist—from acting and visual art to being a style icon and model for her generation—but she is also ready to speak up for a community that is currently under attack. This community has existed since the origins of civilization' - Gabriela Hearst
Maria Sharapova (R)
'An Olympian and a beautiful goddess but also a wonderful, caring friend. Maria has defied expectations in her sport and emerged as an extremely successful and savvy businesswoman. Her strategic and hardworking nature inspires upcoming female entrepreneurs' - Gabriela Hearst
Zolaykha Sherzad (L)
An Afghan refugee who studied architecture in Switzerland, Zolaykha was determined to give back to her homeland. She founded The School of Hope, a not-for-profit education organisation and Zarif Design, working with Afghan men and women to revive traditional textile. 'Through her designs, Zolaykha Sherzad weaves Afghan heritage into a brighter, more connected future' - Nadia Murad
Tori Tsui (R)
Her work as a climate activist has seen Tori Tsui taking on world leaders at global forums, writing an award-winning book, It’s Not You, about eco-anxiety, and sailing from Europe to South America for climate conference COP25 sponsored by Stella McCartney. She is, she says, a ‘bad activist’. ‘It’s a play on Roxane Gay’s bad feminist – this idea that you are inherently imperfect by virtue of being human, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t try to be better.’
Bonnie Wright (L)
'Activist and actor Bonnie Wright works to educate others by raising awareness and advocating for the prevention of single-use plastic waste, as well as her work promoting sustainable forest management' - Amanda Gorman
Inés Yábar (R)
Peruvian climate activist Inés Yábar recently led the UN Foundation Next Generation Fellows program. 'She does phenomenal work with encouraging and engaging with young people to establish a more sustainable world' - Amanda Gorman
The Panel (L-R)
Amanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman is a poet, activist, and the youngest U.S. National Youth Poet recipient in history. Her powerful words on social justice, equality, race and hope, including her compelling poem at Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration, have cemented Gorman as a leading voice of our time.
Gabriela Hearst
The Uruguay-born, New York-based designer has spent her career pushing the sustainability agenda, her award-winning namesake brand is renowned for its elevated collections and 'slow luxury' business model. She pioneered carbon-neutral runway shows and led Chloé to B Corp status.
Mikaela Loach
Named one of Prospect magazine’s ‘World’s Top Thinkers’ in 2024, Mikaela Loach is a climate justice activist and award-winning author; her latest book Climate is Just the Start was published this year. She co-founded the AWETHU School of Organising and led the ‘Paid To Pollute’ legal challenge against UK fossil fuel subsidies.
Nadia Murad
A survivor of ISIS captivity, Nadia Murad is a Yazidi human rights activist, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and a global advocate for the end of sexual violence in conflict, as well as supporting marginalised communities.
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